Author: troyashbacher

Stock futures pointed higher Wednesday on optimism that the 43-day U.S. government shutdown would soon come to an end.  Futures associated with the tech-heavy tech-heavy Nasdaq, benchmark S&P 500, and blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average were up a respective 0.6%, 0.3%, and 0.2%. The three major stock indexes ended mixed yesterday, with the Dow jumping 1.2%, or about 560 points, to cose at a record high for the first time in two weeks. The S&P 500 added 0.2% but the Nasdaq shed 0.3%.  The Senate approved legislation to fund the government until Jan. 30 and end the shutdown late Monday. Following the Veterans Day…

As 2025 winds down, many affluent families are taking stock, not just of markets and account balances, but of what those numbers really mean.For years, financial success has been measured by numbers, such as beating market benchmarks and increasing net worth.But with tax laws now clarified under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), inflation still weighing down portfolios and family priorities evolving, people are asking a different question: Do our financial plans support the lives we want to live? From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. CLICK FOR FREE ISSUE Sign up…

Question: I’m 58, divorced, and dating again, but women just seem to care about the size of my bank account. How should I approach dating differently now?Answer: Reentering the dating world can be daunting when you’ve been off the market for quite some time. But you may reach a point when you’re ready to get back out there — perhaps once your grown kids are settled into lives of their own, or once you find yourself inching closer to retirement and wanting companionship.The good news is that you have several tools at your disposal for finding a partner — dating…

key takeaways Texas offers retirees the absence of a state income tax, plus lower living costs.Jefferson County provides coastal living at an affordable price.Maverick County offers small-town charm with an authentic Mexican feel.Gregg County blends East Texas culture with strong health care options. If you’re starting to think about where you might like to retire, Texas should be on your list of possible landing spots. With no state income tax, a lower cost of living, and plenty of sunshine, it’s a retirement destination that balances affordability with lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to fishing along the coast, enjoying the slower pace…

Choosing the right savings account can be the difference between maximizing your potential and missing out on hundreds of dollars in earned interest. That’s why once a year, I’ll shop around to ensure my savings account continues to meet my needs, and there isn’t one that might be better suited for my situation.Now is an important time for savers to shop around. The Federal Reserve cut rates twice, and it may cut them again when it meets in December. As such, choosing the right account can help you stay on course for achieving your savings goals even with diminishing returns.With…

November 12, 2025 – Hello, readers! Welcome to another installment of the Safe Withdrawal Rate Series. Please see this landing page for an introduction to the Series and a summary of all the other parts so far. After a long hiatus from writing due to my busy travel schedule during the summer and lots of other commitments, I’ve found my groove again and put together something that has been on my mind for many years: Is there an asset allocation strategy that could have improved historical safe withdrawal rates? Specifically, could we devise an asset allocation strategy that shifts weights…

The recent drop in crypto prices isn’t denting enthusiasm from wealthy and professional investors to boost allocations.

Key Takeaways The cost of Thanksgiving dinner became a point of dispute last week after President Donald Trump used a Walmart special as evidence that his economic policies are pushing down prices.Walmart has reduced the price of its holiday bundle, but also decreased the number of items in it, making it virtually meaningless to compare prices from year to year. A controversy over Thanksgiving dinner highlights why inflation is typically measured using broad-based indexes rather than individual prices.The dustup began last month when Walmart announced the pricing of its Thanksgiving meal deal, which allowed customers to buy the ingredients for…

As a personal finance writer I’ve spent years helping folks build secure futures through smart, low-risk investing strategies.But today, I want to step back from balance sheets and index funds to reflect on something far more profound: the sacrifices of our veterans.Without their bravery, the freedoms we enjoy—including the ability to plan our financial lives in peace—wouldn’t exist. On this Veterans Day, November 11, I’m deeply thankful for all they’ve done.Let’s dive into the history of this special day, exploring how it evolved from Armistice Day into a nationwide tribute to America’s service members.Veterans In My FamilyAs I reflect on…

Key Takeaways News services overnight reported declining Tesla sales and market value in China, though also an increase in shipments from China to other markets.Investor focus isn’t likely to shift entirely back to vehicle sales after a shareholder vote that marked a turning of the page to other ventures, but car sales still matter to the business. Talking about Tesla’s auto sales just a few days after a $1 trillion vote might seem odd—but while they might not be the most interesting thing about the company these days, they still matter. Reuters and other news services overnight reported that Tesla’s…